An International Gender Strategy to Transform How We Address Hunger

Background

In 2010, as part of the learning process that followed the implementation of a gender-based violence and food security and livelihoods programme in Uganda, Action Against Hunger identified a policy and technical guidance gap pertaining to gender equality and gender-based violence. It was apparent that a plausible link existed between gender inequality and hunger, yet proper evidence was needed to explore this further. Additionally, although Action Against Hunger had largely integrated a gender-sensitive approach into its work, there was a need to formalise the technical framework and commitments of the organization to a gender-focused approach.

This realisation triggered wider constructive discussions on gender equality, especially in relation to hunger, with a range of operational and technical staff. These discussions revealed contrasting opinions and approaches, however they led to the general acknowledgment that gender inequality acted as a barrier to adequate nutrition and that the organisation should commit to understanding and addressing it more comprehensively.

It was decided that Action Against Hunger would prioritise gender equality at strategic and technical levels by developing a gender policy and technical tools to facilitate gender-sensitive programming. Thanks to the concerted efforts of committed staff, a proposal was submitted to SIDA in 2012 and funding was subsequently granted in 2012 and 2013 for the development of the gender policy, the toolkit, as well as a comprehensive training plan to operationalise the changes.